Tensioner

[daveismissing]

So is this my any chance our tensioner in disguise?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284137939366

[Steve Wood]

Does it look like this?  https://gbodyparts.com/grand-national-belt-tensioner-p-312.html

[daveismissing]

I does to me hence the desire for a second set of eyes  TGTBT?

[Steve Wood]

It's listed for our cars. It looks similar to me.  Maybe try to chase the parts numbers backward?

[TexasT]

Sure looks like one in the pic. If I didn't have several used ones I'd buy one just to see.

[reality]

This part is compatible with 7 vehicle(s).
Notes   Year   Make   Model   Trim   Engine
    1989   Pontiac   Firebird   Trans Am Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1989   Pontiac   Firebird   Trans Am GTA SE Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1987   Buick   Regal   GNX Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1987   Buick   Regal   Grand National Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1987   Buick   Regal   Limited Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1986   Buick   Regal   Grand National Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged
    1986   Buick   Regal   T-Type Coupe 2-Door   3.8L 3800CC 231Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Turbocharged

[daveismissing]

So this is really interesting. I doubt two MFGs decided to build these again, therefore we have two pricing tiers for the same thing?

[Steve Wood]

I thought they were constructed differently?

[ULYCYC]

$60-$70 was the wholesale cost to most vendors for bulk purchase. Retail is/was around $130-$150.  This must be someone with a few extras just trying to liquidate.

[Hill1430]

I apologize for bringing up an old topic, has anyone tried one of these?

[SuperSix]

At that price, it's worth a shot. If anything, I may research the bearing used, and replace with a Timken or something if it's Chinesium. Surprised the listing hasn't changed and link still works.

[Steve Wood]

I also note the Seller is active and has a rating of 100%

[Hill1430]

Considering trying this and getting the AC Delco pulley from rock auto.

[ULYCYC]

The belt tensioners have been discontinued for quite a long time. Only thing available are the reproduction units as listed above from China. They work fine. I'm 99% sure if Rockauto has them its the same reboxed/relabeled as everyone else sells.  Look for the best price plus shipping and a vendor with good feedback like Rockauto or some of the Buick vendors

[Hill1430]

Thanks, I will do that. Rock Auto does not have the tensioner, but they do have the pulley. I may get that so I know it has good bearings.